C63 vs. RS5 vs. M3 - why I went AMG

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Sep 18, 2013 | 10:17 AM
  #1  
So after a month or so, and several test drives in all 3 models I have decided to go with a new 2013 C63 AMG. To sum up my experience with all 3 cars, here is my quick take.



RS5 – Very nice car actually… but I didn’t go with it hask nown carbon build up issues, and the handling felt very ‘numb’, and overall Ifeel it’s a bit over priced. Great interior, best of the group. The AWD was cool and all, but the torque vectoring felt a bit “gimiky” to me as the driver. Very “technology heavy” type of driving experience that removed me from “feeling” the car. The exhaust note with the sport exhaust is nice, but not close to the C63’s exhaust. Also the lack of torque made it take a step back. The hi-revving V8 felt plenty quick and the acceleration was very smooth but all the power was at the top. Overall the price, and carbon build-up killedit for me.



M3 – Same type of hi-revving acceleration as the RS5 with little torque and all the power at the top. The handling was great, best of the bunch… but I live in Northern NJ and I would have to go out and hunt for a nice twisty canyon type of road to enjoy that handling. DD type of driving, I feel I’m just not going to push the car hard enough to make the handling a huge buying point. Exhaust note was extremelyquiet and the interior was too cold.



C63 – I’m coming from an American Muscle (700rwd Supercharged SRT8) so I love torque. When you punch the gas, it kicks you back in your seat and the C63 AMG delivers in spades. Love the fact that I didn’t have to wait till the RPM was at 6K to start making power. The interior was 2nd place to the Audi. Much nicer than the M3. Handling is very good overall. I drove the RS5 first, and about 2 hours later I drove the C63 and compared to the RS5, the C63 just felt very “raw” in its handling which was nice. I felt more interaction with the driving experience and less removed. The RS5 really numbed the driving experience way too much. The handling wasn’t as precise as the M3, but again, for the type of driving I’ll be doing, it handles great. If the M3 is a 10 of 10 in handling, the AMG was 8.5 of 10. Not bad at all... Also fastest of the bunch, classy looks and overall just had a great vibe going for it in the drivingexperience. Luxury, but not numb likethe RS5.



That is my quick take.
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Sep 18, 2013 | 10:21 AM
  #2  
great summary.
Reply 0
Sep 18, 2013 | 10:37 AM
  #3  
I'm glad you chose the c63, I did the same test with a GTR bit I was going for the gtr but my wife at the end of the paper work, came to sign for then told me she don't like 2 doors so I had to get the c63. Dammmm still like the gtr
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Sep 18, 2013 | 04:00 PM
  #4  
Wise choice
Now go enjoy the beast!

edit: what happened to your SRT8?
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Sep 18, 2013 | 05:13 PM
  #5  
I cannot emphasize enough how well you evaluated and compared the different cars. Excellent write-up and concise conclusions!!

Well done.
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Sep 18, 2013 | 06:00 PM
  #6  
I went through a similar 'dilemma'...first world problems
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Sep 18, 2013 | 11:25 PM
  #7  
Haha first world problems indeed. Nailed the reviews pretty much spot on. Wish we had something that has the best trait of all 3 brands. BMW handling with AMG power and the looks and interior of the Audi.

You're so right about the BMW interior. They have improved but it's still very stark and spartan compared with the other German brands.
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Sep 18, 2013 | 11:42 PM
  #8  
Quote: I'm glad you chose the c63, I did the same test with a GTR bit I was going for the gtr but my wife at the end of the paper work, came to sign for then told me she don't like 2 doors so I had to get the c63. Dammmm still like the gtr
Lol good call! Happy Wife Happy Life!
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Sep 18, 2013 | 11:56 PM
  #9  
I had basically the same conclusions when I made my purchase. Congrats
Reply 0
Sep 19, 2013 | 07:53 AM
  #10  
very nice write up, congrats on your c63 purchase
Reply 0
Sep 19, 2013 | 10:55 AM
  #11  
Quote: So after a month or so, and several test drives in all 3 models I have decided to go with a new 2013 C63 AMG. To sum up my experience with all 3 cars, here is my quick take.



RS5 – Very nice car actually… but I didn’t go with it hask nown carbon build up issues, and the handling felt very ‘numb’, and overall Ifeel it’s a bit over priced. Great interior, best of the group. The AWD was cool and all, but the torque vectoring felt a bit “gimiky” to me as the driver. Very “technology heavy” type of driving experience that removed me from “feeling” the car. The exhaust note with the sport exhaust is nice, but not close to the C63’s exhaust. Also the lack of torque made it take a step back. The hi-revving V8 felt plenty quick and the acceleration was very smooth but all the power was at the top. Overall the price, and carbon build-up killedit for me.



M3 – Same type of hi-revving acceleration as the RS5 with little torque and all the power at the top. The handling was great, best of the bunch… but I live in Northern NJ and I would have to go out and hunt for a nice twisty canyon type of road to enjoy that handling. DD type of driving, I feel I’m just not going to push the car hard enough to make the handling a huge buying point. Exhaust note was extremelyquiet and the interior was too cold.



C63 – I’m coming from an American Muscle (700rwd Supercharged SRT8) so I love torque. When you punch the gas, it kicks you back in your seat and the C63 AMG delivers in spades. Love the fact that I didn’t have to wait till the RPM was at 6K to start making power. The interior was 2nd place to the Audi. Much nicer than the M3. Handling is very good overall. I drove the RS5 first, and about 2 hours later I drove the C63 and compared to the RS5, the C63 just felt very “raw” in its handling which was nice. I felt more interaction with the driving experience and less removed. The RS5 really numbed the driving experience way too much. The handling wasn’t as precise as the M3, but again, for the type of driving I’ll be doing, it handles great. If the M3 is a 10 of 10 in handling, the AMG was 8.5 of 10. Not bad at all... Also fastest of the bunch, classy looks and overall just had a great vibe going for it in the drivingexperience. Luxury, but not numb likethe RS5.



That is my quick take.
I came to the C63 from an SRT8 also, not supercharged however!
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Sep 20, 2013 | 01:49 AM
  #12  
I never even consider either cars!
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Sep 20, 2013 | 10:17 AM
  #13  
I like the word "raw" in describing the AMG. I also like the word "honest" which, to me, is very similar to your take. It just feels like it is connected and perhaps not as fancy but there is no adjustable suspension here. Although in the morning, if I am being completely honest, while drinking my coffee, a comfort mode would help!

The engineers at AMG have made a purpose-built sedan for enthusiasts. It is raw in its approach which is why it is so beloved by one and all who have driven it. You park it, and you stare at it saying " I can't believe this car does that!" Yes, it eats tires, because the boys in Aftletereghfleterereebach feel this car will be enjoyed best this way. It gargles premium fuel, but the boys in Aft...bach feel that the car will be enjoyed best this way. The seats are like clamps, etc...you can go on and on.

You are going to love this car!
Reply 0
Sep 20, 2013 | 10:27 AM
  #14  
Quote: I like the word "raw" in describing the AMG. I also like the word "honest" which, to me, is very similar to your take. It just feels like it is connected and perhaps not as fancy but there is no adjustable suspension here. Although in the morning, if I am being completely honest, while drinking my coffee, a comfort mode would help!



The engineers at AMG have made a purpose-built sedan for enthusiasts. It is raw in its approach which is why it is so beloved by one and all who have driven it. You park it, and you stare at it saying " I can't believe this car does that!" Yes, it eats tires, because the boys in Aftletereghfleterereebach feel this car will be enjoyed best this way. It gargles premium fuel, but the boys in Aft...bach feel that the car will be enjoyed best this way. The seats are like clamps, etc...you can go on and on.

You are going to love this car!
Raw, try this
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Sep 20, 2013 | 11:42 AM
  #15  
Awesome summary! Will definitely help potential buyers!
Reply 0
Sep 20, 2013 | 12:37 PM
  #16  
Great choice and review now just a set of KW coilovers and you will be one step closer to that lovely M3 handling...never know if you'll end up on twisty roads!
Reply 0
Sep 20, 2013 | 10:51 PM
  #17  
Jycke,
I think I have the only set of KW DDC on a C63 in the USA!
It's the best of both worlds.
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Sep 21, 2013 | 10:08 AM
  #18  
Not sure why but the new M3s just lack character. Drove 2 coupes and 1 sedan before buying my C63 and I wasn't impressed. The also sound like a car video game from the early 2000s lol.

Never drove the Audi but the price point is insane!

Even though the AMG puts power down pretty well, it's a little loose when cornering. Go spec out a set of tires that's more fitting to the weight/torque of the car and then go compare to the M3. I feel like they designed this thing to be loose on purpose, so we can have some fun!
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